TOP things to know before you buy CBD Products online
CBD is a compound of cannabis, a plant that is also known as marijuana. Coming from such an infamous plant, CBD carries lots of potentials which made it a popular topic in the medical field. You can find different types of CBD products in the market and we are here to tell you more about them.
What is CBD
CBD or cannabidiol is one of the two isolated and known compounds of cannabis. Generally, it comes from the cannabis plant hemp. Hemp is used to creating mats and bags, but CBD carries much more potential.
CBD is also different from its other counterpart, THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is the chemical that causes psychoactivity. But CBD is a non-intoxicant, so it does not make people high. On the contrary, it has many therapeutic benefits which make it a favored medicine among many. This is why the production of hemp and CBD products is on a rise since its legalization in 2018.
Legalization of CBD
Cannabis has always been considered an illegal substance around the world because of its ability to cause intoxication. The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 formally made any type of cannabis illegal in the United States. But due to the immense potential possessed by hemp, FDA legalized hemp along with all the products made from hemp by passing the 2018 Farm Bill under the condition that the level of THC should not be more than 0.3%. This automatically makes CBD legal as it is a byproduct of hemp. However, the FDA alerts everyone to
Does CBD work?
There is no medical evidence that CBD works. The benefits of CBD have been found by far from the research done on lab rats. Many people who used CBD without any prescription have also claimed to get relief from health issues like inflammation, anxiety, and seizures by using CBD.
Types of CBD
Before learning about different types of CBD products, it is crucial to get familiar with the three types of CBD
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD is a hemp extract that contains CBD as well as other natural compounds of the hemp plant, like terpenes, and a minimum amount of THC. These compounds along with flavonoids, essential oils, and other cannabinoids can work together to create an entourage effect, which researchers believe may increase the therapeutic effects of CBD.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD is similar to full-spectrum CBD in terms of containing all the compounds of hemp. The only exception is that in broad-spectrum CBD, all THC is removed. Still, studies have found minor traces of THC in broad-spectrum CBD. This is why this is sometimes referred to as “nearly THC-free.”
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is pure CBD, from which all the other compounds are removed. So, this CBD does not contain any THC or other compounds from the hemp plant. As CBD isolate is free from all other cannabinoids, terpenes, and essential oils, it does not create the entourage effect like other types of CBD.
How to consume CBD
CBD can be consumed in four ways:
- Sublingually (with oils or tinctures absorbed under the tongue)
- Oran ingestion via edibles like gummies, candies, snacks and beverages, capsules
- Vaping or smoke inhalation
- Topical application by using salves, creams, or lotions
Sublingual Consumption
Sublingual CBD products like oils and tinctures normally come in bottles of 1 ounce to 4 ounces. It can be consumed with a dropper with dose amounts at .25-milliliter intervals. A CBD user can feel the effect of CBD quickly via this method. This type of consumption also helps to absorb more CBD into the bloodstream.
Oral Ingestion
CBD can be taken orally in the form of gummies, brownies, cookies, and other foods and beverages. CBD capsules can also be taken orally. This type of consumption kicks in later than the oils and tinctures. The foods and capsules must at first be processed by the digestive system to see the effects of CBD. Also, in this way, less CBD enters the bloodstream.
Vaping or Smoke Inhalation
CBD is available for vaping in slim, pre-filled refillable cartridges, or pens where CBD oil is administered via inhalation. Dried flowers from the hemp plant can also be smoked to consume CBD.
Inhaling CBD vapes or smokes can result in faster effects and increased absorption of CBD in the bloodstream. But this way has a risk of damage to the lungs. Many chemicals such as vitamin E acetate, heavy metals, or other chemicals that make CBD inhalable, like propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin also enter the lungs through inhalation. Also, it is hard to control the dosage of CBD when consumed through inhalation.
Topical Application
Topically applicable CBD products like salves, creams, or lotions are typically consumed by people with chronic pain or skin conditions. They apply creams or ointments to the affected area to get relief.
Only minimal amounts of CBD reach the bloodstream through topically applicable products. So, people seeking relief from non-skin conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, or seizures should use non-topical products instead.
CBD Market
There are lots of unregulated CBD products in the market. Most of them are uncertified and sell CBD products with false labels. The FDA has only approved one CBD medicine named “Epidiolex” to treat certain rare epilepsies. They also warned CBD marketers to stop spreading false news by over exaggerating their products’ benefits when selling their products.
Conclusion
CBD has great potential, and to make the best use of it, you should find the best possible CBD product for yourself based on your condition. Keeping the side effects and FDA rules in mind, you should start with a lower dosage that is effective for you. Nonetheless, consulting with a good doctor is recommended before using CBD.
